A December math story gives young learners a reason to build and compare small amounts. Have children move the picture pieces as the story changes and connect each move to the numbers they record.
At a glance
Read the story, model the quantities, and explain what each number represents.
1. Find the question
Read the problem and ask what the class needs to find. Identify the quantities that are already known.
2. Place the starting pieces
Count the first group onto a mat. Use a ten-frame or cubes when that helps children keep track.
3. Show the action or comparison
Join, separate, or line up the groups according to the story. Ask which pieces show the unknown part.
4. Record the model
Draw or glue the pieces after checking the amounts. Match each number in the equation to an action or group.
5. Try a new story with the same structure
Change the objects and keep the math relationship the same. Watch whether children can model it with less prompting.
A classroom example
In a fictional group, Ren says seven is three more than five. His teacher asks him to match the groups one to one. Ren counts the two unpaired counters and records two.
Companion printable
The 114-page printable contains 96 addition, subtraction, and comparison stories within ten, model options, and an answer key.
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